Genesis, founded in 2015 as an independent luxury brand of South Korean Hyundai, was initially active only in its home country and the United States, later expanding to Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It is now focusing further on Europe, entering the markets of France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands with first deliveries expected in 2026.
Although Genesis has a renowned Belgian designer, Luc Donckerwolcke, as its Chief Creative Officer and Chief Brand Officer, there is no word yet on a launch in Belgium. Donckerwolcke has helped transform the design of worldwide brands over a 30-year career, including Bentley, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat, and Audi. Notably, he has also served as the Chief Creative Officer and President of the Hyundai Motor Group since December 2022.
Three models to start
The expansion into the new European markets was announced a few days ago at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, where the Genesis Magma Racing team was competing in the day-long endurance race for the first time. “This is the most significant market expansion since we launched in Europe in 2021 and is the start of our next phase of measured, strategic growth and sporting brand direction,” said Xavier Martinet, Managing Director at Genesis Motor Europe.
Genesis is introducing three full-electric models to these new markets: the GV60, a compact SUV that was the brand’s first dedicated all-electric model, the flagship SUV Electrified GV70, and the Electrified G80 saloon, with the carmaker stating it’s the most comprehensively equipped Genesis model in Europe.
GV60 first electric model
The GV60 was the brand’s first electric model based on the group’s E-GMP platform, which is also shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The standard RWD Premium model is equipped with a rear-mounted motor that delivers 168 kW (229 hp) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, paired with a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a WLTP range of 517 km.
The Sport AWD version of GV60 gets a 160 kW (218 hp) motor that drives the rear wheels, and a 74 kW (100 hp) motor delivers power to the front. Sitting at the top of the GV60 lineup is the Sport Plus AWD model, featuring a pair of 180 kW + 180 kW (two times 245 hp) motors with a combined output of 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque.
This one even features a standard Drift Mode, designed for use in the controlled environment of a closed road or racetrack. The system automatically optimizes the distribution of driving power and the stability control system to assist the driver in ‘sliding’ the GV60 through corners. Prices in Germany range from €53,500 to €71,010.
Electrified GV70 SUV
The Electrified GV70 features two 180kW electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, delivering 490 hp and providing all-wheel drive. It also features selectable drive modes for rough terrain, including Snow, Mud, and Sand. This is complemented by a recent addition of an AI-powered ‘Auto-Terrain’ feature, which analyzes road conditions in real-time and automatically adjusts the car to its optimal settings.
This current ‘flagship SUV’ for Europe – there is already an even more luxurious GV90 in the pipeline – is built on an 800-volt architecture and has an enhanced 84 kWh lithium-ion battery promising an increased WLTP range of 480 km on a single charge.
As you might expect, the interior is quite luxurious with a new, integrated 27’’ connected car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC), which combines the driver information and infotainment in a single panoramic display. A 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system and Active Road Noise Cancelling come as standard.
It is officially available in Germany with a starting price of €67,300 before options. There is essentially one trim (Sport), but you can further customize it with optional packages (comfort, tech, audio, V2L, etc.), which increase the final cost.
Genesis Electrified G80
The third model, the Genesis Electrified G80, is the flagship saloon for the brand’s European electric vehicle lineup, where it is available in a 272kW dual-motor guise. Two 136 kW electric motors ensure all-wheel drive at all times, offering sporty performance, including a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
With the standard 87.2 kW lithium-ion battery pack, a WLTP range of 520 km is guaranteed in optimal conditions. The additional solar roof panel can add more than 1,150 km of range over the course of a year, the company claims. Charging can be done from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes.
This one features a rather conventional-looking 12.3-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver, complemented by a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Prices for the Electrified G80 start at 69,200 euros in Germany today. There is also a 2.2-liter diesel version, starting at as low as € 46,900, and a gasoline version (2.5 liters) ranging from €51,700 to €57,900.
